Dear Sir,
When we are involved in things which require effort and creativity, there is always a spiritual component at play.
When we play our music, be it the blues, classical or pop, or go to the movies, theatre, and so on, all of these have a calming, uplifting /rousing effect on our spiritual beings. I believe we often tend to underestimate the beneficial and restorative effects of such activities.
This being the case, should we not make it ‘non-negotiable’ that part of our time, on a regular basis, includes (in one aspect and /or extent or another) listening to music, doing recreational reading, singing, dancing, laughing together and at ourselves, talking with and listening to those we love and care for? All of this speaks to our ‘inner being’, our spiritual self. Our spirit is as much a part of us as is our mind and physical being. The problem is that when our minds and bodies are constantly engaged, without break, in our headlong rush to survive and (over/) achieve, our spirits recede into a sterile backdrop, getting smaller and weaker, and then, even smaller still. As a result, our spirit is not in the forefront with us to do what no one else can do, i.e. to restore to us the energy, the inspiration, the ‘joy of life’ that sustains us for the unfolding, multi-layered and multi-textured personal journey of life that lies before us.
If we experience a breakdown, whether it’s labeled ‘nervous’ or ‘emotional’, we can still get up and walk (physical being). We can also still think and speak (the mind, or ‘mental being’). The problem is, we actually don’t want to do anything - we also don’t particularly want to think, speak or ‘get involved’. So, although our mental and physical selves are clinically ‘intact’, our spirit has been disempowered. A quick look in the eyes of a person who has suffered a breakdown reveals the emptiness of the core within - the spirit‘s ‘not at home’.
I have lived long enough to have witnessed (in myself and others) the loneliness and the heartbrokenness (substitute ‘spirit-brokenness’) this brings.
Without intending to be ‘religious’ (but without apology), there is a scripture which quotes as follows “Be still and know that I am God.” In the God-Spiritual sense, the context is obviously sacrosanct. Complementary to this, in my own understanding, I have always regarded this as a strong reminder from God to us, that, in our head-long rush, we must not leave our spirit out of life’s equation in general. As part of our daily walk, we need to allow our spirits free-rein to walk ‘shoulder to shoulder’ and ‘arm in arm’ with us.
A small personal example: In my professional life, there is a good deal of interpersonal activity as well as hard work. I sure do enjoy my work, but, at times, it does take a toll on me. During the course of my working day, in between times, I am in the car. This allows me to play music that quickens my spirit (I am blessed with a broad taste in music). Even during particularly difficult days, when ‘on the road’, music fills my cabin, the spirit breathes, soars and I am revitalized no matter how ‘tough’ the day.
Is my spirit restricted to a love of music ? No. I enjoy reading, watching sport, wildlife programs, keeping up with current events, mentoring younger friends (mostly ‘upwardly mobile’, but some going through hurt and tough times) with daily SMS-d, motivational meditations - in all of this, my spirit is deeply involved. My creative side is writing - about the country where I live and which I love, and about the human condition. Writing can, at times, be hard, draining work, but, you know what? –somehow it makes me stronger, because my spirit ‘jumps out of his skin’, flexes his ‘muscles’ and we become immeasurably stronger.
Even those whom I know who say “there is no god” will freely confess that they have a spirit. Isn’t that profound?
One day, when the outlook seemed bleak indeed, out of nowhere something tickled my funny bone. In that lonely, dark place, I laughed spontaneously, thinking ‘how bad can things get? – something had stirred within me. Was it a sense of self-preservation? Yes, indeed, it was! Our humorous spirit was included in the ‘build-model’ as a suit of armor – it is, undeniably, one of the greatest stress-relievers!
My initiating spirit when I sat down to put pen to paper was the strong desire that we ensure that we keep well away from the ‘slippery slope’ of spiritual breakdown. In addition to this, we also need to increase awareness, generally, so others who, unknowingly, are edging closer to the ‘slippery slope’ can pull themselves firmly back on track.
It also true to say that those going through a spiritual breakdown must begin (and then accelerate) the healing process by using as crutches those activities that quicken, uplift, strengthen, inspire, motivate and/or challenge their spirit. When this happens, although the spirit is going to gym for a workout, without these specific crutches, healing is well-nigh impossible. With them, the spirit-healing process can begin and then continue at an increasing pace - and the lessons learned are learned forever!
For each and every one of us, in our daily walk, we need to remember that we have a spirit that needs to walk beside us, pro-act and breathe freely.
Alright, Bro – what’s it gonna be? Jazz or Pucini? Whatever, my man, as long as it’s something, and as long as it’s real cool!
Go for it!
Sandy Johnston
Rivonia
Johannesburg
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